Wheels Up Names Seasoned Leadership Team

Beechcraft’s factory in Wichita has rolled out the first of 105 King Air 350i turboprop twins ordered by private aviation club Wheels Up.

Wheels Up CEO Kenny Dichter has recruited executives from NetJets’ Executive Jet Management subsidiary for his new private aviation club’s management team. Robert Garrymore, most recently EJM’s president, is now president for ventures at Wheels Up. Serving alongside him as executive v-p for ventures is Ronald Silverman, who was EJM’s senior v-p of aircraft management, sales and owner services. Carl Thorsberg, who worked with Dichter at jet-card provider Marquis Jet, has been named CFO.

From Bombardier Business Aircraft, Wheels Up has recruited marketing vice president Rod Williams to serve as its chief marketing officer and president of Wheels Up Canada. The company has appointed former Tourgolf president David Kaufman as its COO.

Also drawn from the NetJets group are executive v-p for flight operations Rob Patris and executive v-p for events Gary Spitalnik. Justin Walker is coming from the Visa credit card group to be executive v-p for partnerships.

Terrence Truta is joining Wheels Up as chief technology officer, having previously held the same position with Marquis Jet. Robert Withers, who was Marquis’s v-p for sports marketing, will be executive v-p for sales with the new venture.

On the operations side of the business, Wheels Up has appointed Dave Hewitt as executive v-p for safety based on his 30 years of experience with Part 135 operators. ATP-licensed pilot Craig Blumenthal is joining the new company from Discovery Land Group as executive v-p for special projects.

Meanwhile, Beechcraft has rolled out the first of 105 King Air 350is ordered by Wheels Up.